A background soundtrack of chattering chimps, laughing lemurs and trundling tanks makes for a fun vibe at laidback Longthorns Farm, an attractive rural site close to Dorset’s jaw-dropping Jurassic coastline.

You can stroll directly into Monkey World from Longthorns Farm to eyeball your noisy neighbours, and there is plenty more fluffy fauna about: alpacas, horses, sheep and chickens are among the friendly farm animals on site, and guests regularly spot deer, bunnies, buzzards and owls along the woodland trail. Walk a little further and you can track down those tanks, at Bovington Tank Museum.

After a busy day exploring the delights of Dorset, toast marshmallows over the embers of your firepit and kick back for a bit of stargazing, before snuggling up in a romantic shepherd’s cabin for the night...

The on-site honesty shop is another nice old-fashioned touch: it stocks essential provisions, including all the key ingredients for a slap-up breakfast, sourced locally and reasonably priced.

Alongside the aforementioned traditional approach at Longthorns Farm, a brand new eco toilet and shower block are in the offing too, complete with family/disabled bathroom and excellent facilities to bring the campsite right into the 21st century. Using recycled, reclaimed and recyclable products wherever possible in the construction of the building and its gorgeously green components - including recycled plastic to make the waterproof boarding inside (how smart!) - this new addition to the campsite has all the necessities plus handy little luxuries like hand- and hairdryers.

Ditch the wheels; there are two fab family attractions within walking distance of Longthorns Farm: Monkey World, right next door, and Bovington Tank Museum, a 20-minute walk, which puts on action-packed displays during the school holidays.

Fossil fans, beach bums and nature lovers will love having the Jurassic Coast within such easy reach: lovely Lulworth Cove is only ten minutes away by car, and other famous spots such as Durdle Door and Chesil Beach are just a little further along the coast, all offering magnificent walking.

For country piles, try Lulworth Castle and grounds; for culture, there’s Thomas Hardy’s picturesque country cottage; or for more urban pursuits, head to Bournemouth, Dorchester or Poole, which boast great tourist attractions, shops and restaurants of every flavour. There are also local markets and lots more in the smaller nearby towns of Wareham and Swanage.

Thatched 17th-c pub under newish management, civilised log-fire bar, three ales including Palmers and Wells & Youngs, food from lunchtime sandwiches and baguettes up, friendly helpful service, two dining rooms; children and dogs welcome, picnic-sets out in big garden with play area

Small traditional 18th-c beamed pub, half a dozen mainly local ales kept well, wide choice of reasonably priced food especially fish, some original features including panelling, open fire, copper ornaments and old local photographs; background music; back courtyard tables, bedrooms, open all day

Fine old brick building with riverside terrace, emphasis on food but two small beamed rooms by main door for drinkers, well kept Badger ales, good wines by the glass, neat efficient young staff, airy dining room with leather high-backed chairs and pews around pale wood tables, brick walls and new oak standing timbers, two further rooms with big photographs of the pub, woodburners, nice relaxed atmosphere; quiet background jazz; boats for hire over bridge

Comfortable 18th-c inn in great spot by the water, enjoyable food including pubby favourites and cook your own meat on a hot stone, attentive service, well kept Otter, Isle of Purbeck and Ringwood, reasonably priced wine list, flagstones and open fires; children welcome, terrace area and picnic-sets out on quay, boat trips, bedrooms, parking nearby can be difficult, open all day in summer

Liked: The huts were so impressive and roomy considering their size and it was great fun using the woodburner and firepit.All the animals were interesting to look at, especially for our little one.The walk through the woods surrounding was idilic.Finally monkey world is literally 100m away, which saved packing everything into the car.All in all, we had a grat time.

Liked: I stayed with two friends for two weeknights in April, in the shepherding huts at Longthorns Farm. We only booked one hut, but when we arrived we were offered the use of a second - particularly nice as my friends are a couple and it allowed them some privacy! Huts are comfortably furnished, with cushions, cooking equipment, and wood-burning stoves, and are super-warm once the fire is lit. The outdoor cooking facilities were easy to use and there are composting loos very close by. The shepherds huts are in an open field which is only shared with four teepees and a few campsites - we were the only ones in the field on this trip, but I can imagine that even at the height of summer it would still feel very spacious and open!The alpacas are sweet too - we even got to take a couple on a walk (albeit a short walk, as they were more interested in eating grass than walking!). Booking, arrival and departure were all easy, as was contacting the hosts if necessary. We would definitely stay again.

Disliked: The only things that some people might consider less desirable was that the shower block is a decent walk away (as it was a bit cold, we actually drove the car to the shower block), but it didn't really bother us. Also during the early evening there were a few tank noises from the army base nearby (at one point it sounded as though the country was being invaded!) but again, it didn't really bother us and stopped fairly quickly. There were no noises from the army base during sleeping hours (we didn't notice anything before about 10am, and nothing after about 7 or 8pm). One point to mention is that a new shower block is due to open in late April/early May - while it isn't much closer to the shepherding huts than the current shower block, I expect it would be nice and clean and new and shiny, making the short walk very worthwhile!

Liked: We went to Longthorns Farm for valentines weekend and stayed in one of the Fisherman's huts. It far exceeded our expectations. We were greeted warmly on arrival and shown to our hut. Prior to us arriving the woodburner had been lit so the hut was very warm and cosy. Because of the storms, we lost electrical power on the first night. It didn't matter though, we were provided with candles and it created a lovely atmosphere. We were still able to cook on the woodburner and the candlelight was more than sufficient. The hut itself was perfect and included a double bed and a dining table, along with all cooking utensils and a fire pit outside. It was fun to have sheep and alpacas on the site, they were not noisy, so didn't disturb sleep. The campsite is perfect if you wish to visit Monkey World...it's next door..We couldn't have asked for a better retreat for the weekend. Can't wait to go back.

Liked: I like the campsite because of its friendly atmosphere and Sally, Mark Rhoda and Ron all lovely people, Met a some fellow campers who were all brill, kids played together well , Campfire were brilliant, toilets clean ,showers ok having new ones next year, Took the alpaca's for a walk which was funny as they all lie down to eat all the time, Booked again for next year before we left to make sure we got same pitch, Tanks were cool at nighttime waved to you as there passed ), glades were cool to watch, Honesty shop brill fridge good idea, bigger freezer needed , So many places to see not too far away plenty for us to do next year too .

Liked: the friendliness cleanliness and the wide open spaces and wooded walk.The site felt very safe which was obviously important especially with three excited juniorschool aged girls We loved every minute of our stay and the shepherd s hut proved very comfortable.A very laidback campsite that provided everything my kids needed AND allowed me to relax too what more can I say.

Disliked: Honestly can t think of a thing except the youngest didn't like the eco loo

Liked: Friendly welcome, we had a non electric pitch which was a bit of a track to the toilet with little ones, The Children loved the farm animals. There was lots of room for them to play too. Loved being able to buy local farm sausages, bacon and eggs. Perfect for a trip to Monkey World as you can just walk over the field and you are there! The boys got to take turns walking a Alpaca in the morning which they really enjoyed :)

Looking forward to coming back next year

Disliked: There seemed to be no hot water for washing up while we were there, the toilets can do with some updating, and the fact that there was only one cubical in the men's toilet made it busy!

Liked: We were part of a charity bike ride and Sally agreed to let us pitch tents and upgraded us to two shepherds huts free of charge. On arrival she let us have 4! The campsite is blissful and Sally and Mark are the best and most thoughtful owners i have ever met. Everything was thought off and although we were not paying guests the concern shown by Sally and Mark that the cyclists have a good night sleep was amazing. This campsite is a must visit!

Disliked: At present The showers are portable. Mark and sally are hoping to solve this next year. The only downfall is the army range opposite the site. The war games do stop overnight though!

Liked: Sally is possibly the best campsite owner I've ever met! Couldn't do enough to make my stay as comfortable as she could. I stayed in one of the shepherd huts and found it very cosy and warm. I visit Monkey World a fair bit and just walking there across the field and car park was second only to having breakfast watching the sun coming up listening to the gibbons singing next door! Love the honesty shop and having 24 hour access to the shop and fridge/freezer facilities without the owners needing to be there was great too!

Disliked: My only concern was the steps up to the toilets. Very unstable wood rail and no disabled access would discourage a lot of potential visitors staying at this wonderful place! Though I have read that the Toilet/shower block is to be redesigned so hopefully that may be addressed. Otherwise nothing else wrong!

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Directions

1.25 m from North from Wool, 2m South of Bere Regis, on the Bere Regis Rd, follow signs to Monkey World. Our site is 350 yards north from main Monkey World entrance.

Important travel information

Follow the brown signs to Monkey World. Please do not use the postcode: those using satnav systems, please be aware that the postcode takes you past our farm entrance to Clouts Hill. Follow the above directions and use Monkey World as your destination marker.

Public transport: Wool Train Station is two minutes away by taxi, or 20-25 minutes' walk.

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

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Arrive:Thu 22 Nov 2012Depart:Sun 25 Nov 2012
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Booking as a group?

You can now make a booking for up to 30 adults and 30 children on Pitchup.com.

Many sites set a maximum occupancy of 6/8 people per pitch, so try breaking your booking down into smaller groups to generate more results. For example, if you’re a group of 10, enter 5 people in your initial search and then book 2 pitches.

Use the 'Special requests' box on the booking page to ask to be sited together when booking multiple pitches: the campsite or park will try to grant your request.

Large groups: check the listing page for any group restrictions set out in the terms and section titled ‘Please note’.

Large tents/caravans: check the restrictions on unit dimensions to ensure your unit is suitable for the space you will be provided with.

Contact Longthorns Farm

Terms and conditions

1. On arrival: Campers please contact Mark or Sally before entering the main site area. Pitches will be available from 12 noon. Pitches must be vacated by 11am on day of departure, unless special arrangements apply.

4. Longthorns Farm is responsible for the safety of the electrical system up to the socket on the hook-up point at the pitch. It is the responsibility of the camper to ensure that the plug, cable and associated sockets used to connect between the hook-up point to the camper's unit is safe. Longthorns Farm will not accept responsibility for any accident or loss arising from the use of unsuitable or unsafe electrical equipment connected to Longthorns Farm hook-up point. Do not let children play around the electric hook-up points or cables.

6. Maximum power loading is 10 amps which allows 3.680 wattage on pitch electrical outlets. This is sufficient for lighting, TV, fridge, microwave oven, shaver, but not standard domestic kettle or hairdryer. Household kettles use 2,000 watts, a camping one 750 watts. Please do not use household equipment whilst camping.

7. The management will not be held responsible for damage to clients' property by fire, theft or injury to persons whilst on the site.

8. Full use of the recycling facilities to be adhered to. You will be given a green recycle green sack. All rubbish must be placed in the bins provided. Veggies, fruit, etc. can be fed to the sheep.

9. All cars parked in the vicinity of trees are at the sole risk of the owner, and Longthorns Farm cannot accept responsibility for damage caused by falling trees or parts there from.

10. Barbecues may be used providing they are raised above ground level. Camp fires are allowed in a fire brazier or fire pit not directly on the grass, please check with site owners in adverse weather conditions. Anyone breaking this rule will be asked to leave Longthorns Farm. Firepits will be available to hire (conditions apply). Please do not go into the woods for firewood.

11. Radios, TVs, stereos,etc. can be played at a low volume that will not disturb others. The owners reserve the right to ask for any inappropriate or loud music to be turned off. If this is not adhered to, we may change our policy and and not allow electronic music, so please respect our T&Cs.

12. Quiet time must be observed between 11pm and 7am for the consideration of others. We reserve the right to ask people to leave, if their behavior is anti social.

13. Water: Cars must not be washed on site. Also no paddling pools to be used on site. Please supervise children regarding use of water.

14. Vehicle speed to be kept at 5mph at all times.

15. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, no more than 2m long. Dog owners are responsible for the disposal of any fouling. A doggy bin is provided. We welcome well-trained dogs to Longthorns Farm, but reserve the right to refuse certain breeds. We allow a maximum of two dogs per booking. Please ensure your dog wears a collar and identity tag, and is on a lead under the control of a responsible adult at all times. We reserve the right to require the owner of any dog or pet considered a nuisance, or to be affecting the comfort of guests, to remove it from the farm.

16. Whilst we do not charge for visitors, we do ask to be informed and consent given before arranging for guests to arrive (we have had occasions where two has become 10 for lunch!), and as we are a small site, facilities are provided for campers on our site which take priority.

18. Children remain the responsibility of their parents or guardians at all times. Due to recent issues, we must insist children are within ear shot and eyesight of the supervising adult. Please do not allow children to run around other people's pitches. It is important that parents always know where their children are. Please do not allow children to enter the woods, there is a woodland walk, but the rest of the woods are under a management scheme so must not be disturbed. Please keep strictly to the path provided. SSSI signs will be in the woods to symbolise Sites of Special Scientific Interest these are pockets of undisturbed habitat, that must be kept monitored to protect and study wildlife.

Please do not allow your children to go in any of the animal pens or in with the horses.

19. Groups - we do allow groups, but these are carefully monitored to allow enjoyment for all concerned. The quiet time must be observed - anyone not respecting their fellow campers will be asked to leave.

20. The management reserves the right to refuse admission to any person at any time.

21. We regret we are unable to give refunds.

22. Please note there is no electricity supply in the huts from April to September

23. The honest shop open from April to September. It is closed outside of these months.

24. Please label your goods when using the fridge/-freezer and remember to clear your food out when you leave. The freezer is for ice blocks only, no food.